Flock & Kreher: Olympic Runs – Enjoyment & No Pressure

Milano Cortina 2026 is shaping up to be a compelling competition in women’s skeleton, with both established veterans and athletes overcoming significant challenges poised to contend for medals. The halfway point of the Olympic races reveals a tight contest, with Austrian Janine Flock currently leading, but a strong German contingent close behind.

Unexpected Contenders and Mental Fortitude

Susanne Kreher’s strong performance to reach the halfway mark as the leading German athlete was somewhat unexpected, given her recent struggles. She faced a challenging qualification process, complicated by a foot tendon tear and the resulting pressure. Kreher acknowledged the difficulty, stating, “I was in this season already at points where I doubted whether I would even make it to the Olympics, all the happier I am that I am here now and that it went so well today.”

Strategic Approaches to the Final Runs

Both Flock and Kreher are adopting distinct mental strategies for the final two runs. Flock intends to maintain a relaxed approach, focusing on enjoying the experience after a previous Olympic result where she finished tenth. She stated, “I just tried to do what I’ve been doing for 20 years, to show a really good run, to enjoy the ride, to enjoy what I do and to try to stay with myself.” Kreher, meanwhile, is embracing a mindset of gratitude, aiming to compete without the burden of expectation. Her motto for the decisive day is, “Be grateful that I am here.”

Did You Know? Susanne Kreher’s qualification for Milano Cortina 2026 was initially uncertain due to a foot tendon tear and the pressure of meeting internal qualification standards.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on mental preparation – gratitude and enjoyment – highlights the critical role psychological resilience plays in elite athletic performance, particularly in high-stakes events like the Olympics. Athletes who can manage pressure and focus on the process, rather than the outcome, often demonstrate improved consistency, and performance.

What’s Next?

The competition remains open, and the final two runs will determine the medalists. Flock could maintain her lead, but the close proximity of the German athletes suggests a strong challenge. Kreher’s strategy of competing without pressure could prove beneficial, potentially allowing her to perform at her best. A shift in standings is also likely, as even small differences in time can significantly impact the final results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What challenges did Susanne Kreher overcome to reach the Olympics?

Susanne Kreher faced a foot tendon tear and struggled to meet the internal qualification standards for Milano Cortina 2026.

What is Janine Flock’s approach to the final runs?

Janine Flock intends to enjoy the ride and focus on performing as she has for the past 20 years.

What is Susanne Kreher’s mindset heading into the final runs?

Susanne Kreher plans to compete with a mindset of gratitude, focusing on being thankful for the opportunity to participate.

How important is mental fortitude in a sport like skeleton, where fractions of a second can determine success or failure?